Gluing apparatus and gluing method

Abstract

A gluing apparatus, comprising a battery conveying mechanism (1), a positioning mechanism (2), and a pickup and bonding mechanism (3). The battery conveying mechanism has a battery conveying path extending along a first direction, and the battery conveying path has a gluing position. The battery conveying mechanism is made to carry a battery cell (100) from one side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and convey the battery cell along the battery conveying path. At least one of two opposite surfaces of the battery cell being conveyed on the battery conveying path is a surface (101) to be glued, the two opposite surfaces being along a third direction, and the third direction intersecting with both the first direction and the second direction. The positioning mechanism is made to be capable of positioning the battery cell to be conveyed to the gluing position at the gluing position. The pickup and bonding mechanism is made to be capable of picking up a sheet of adhesive (200) and bonding the sheet of adhesive to the surface of the battery cell to be glued. The gluing apparatus has a simple structure, and can improve the positional accuracy when stopping the battery cell, thereby improving gluing accuracy. Further comprised is a gluing method using the gluing apparatus.

Description

Adhesive taping device and adhesive taping method

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] The present disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410674748.3, filed on May 28, 2024, entitled “Adhesive taping device and adhesive taping method”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of battery manufacturing, and in particular to an adhesive taping device and an adhesive taping method. BACKGROUND

[0004] New energy batteries are increasingly widely used in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used, and batteries are also increasingly used in the energy storage field and the like. In new energy vehicles equipped with batteries, the batteries can be used to provide all or part of the power. In the energy storage field, the batteries can be installed in an energy storage box or directly installed at a user side.

[0005] The complexity of the structure of a battery production device is related to the production cost of the battery. Therefore, how to simplify the structure of the battery production device is one of the subjects that the industry needs to study.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides an adhesive taping device and an adhesive taping method with a simplified structure.

[0008] The present disclosure is implemented by the following technical solutions.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an adhesive taping device, comprising: a battery conveying mechanism, the battery conveying mechanism having a battery conveying path extending along a first direction, the battery conveying path having an adhesive taping position, the battery conveying mechanism being configured to carry a battery monomer from one side of the battery monomer in a second direction intersecting the first direction and convey the battery monomer along the battery conveying path, at least one of two surfaces of the battery monomer conveyed on the battery conveying path opposite along a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction being a to-be-taped surface; a positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism being configured to position the battery monomer conveyed to the adhesive taping position at the adhesive taping position; a pick-and-place mechanism, the pick-and-place mechanism being configured to pick a piece of adhesive tape having an exposed first adhesive surface and adhere the piece of adhesive tape to the to-be-taped surface of the battery monomer through the first adhesive surface.

[0010] In the process of using the device to perform the gluing operation, the battery conveying mechanism conveys the battery monomer, the surface to be glued of the battery monomer faces one side of the battery conveying path along the third direction, the positioning mechanism positions the battery monomer conveyed on the battery conveying path at the gluing position, then the picking and pasting mechanism picks the adhesive tape and moves to paste the adhesive tape to the surface to be glued of the battery monomer. In this way, the action of pasting the adhesive tape to the battery monomer is realized. Moreover, during the whole operation process, the surface to be glued of the battery monomer faces one side of the battery conveying path along the third direction, which is equivalent to facing the left side or the right side along the conveying direction, so that the space near the surface to be glued of the battery monomer is relatively large, so that the picking and pasting mechanism can paste the adhesive tape to the battery monomer along the third direction, the function of the gluing device to paste the adhesive tape to the battery monomer is realized, the structure of turning over the battery monomer is saved, so that the structure of the gluing device is simplified, and the production cost of the battery module is reduced.

[0011] In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism comprises: a stopping component, which is configured to stop the battery monomer conveyed on the battery conveying path at the gluing position; and a clamping component, which is configured to clamp the battery monomer after the stopping component stops the battery monomer.

[0012] In this way, the stopping component stops the battery monomer first, which can improve the accuracy of the stopping position of the battery monomer, thereby facilitating to improve the accuracy of gluing. The clamping component clamps the battery monomer, so that the picking and pasting mechanism can apply a force to the adhesive tape to press against the battery monomer after aligning the adhesive tape with the surface to be glued of the battery monomer, so that the adhesive tape is firmly pasted to the surface to be glued of the battery monomer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the clamping component comprises: a clamping jaw driving mechanism; and a clamping jaw connected to the output end of the clamping jaw driving mechanism, which can reciprocate between the clamping position and a first avoiding position away from the battery conveying path under the action of the clamping jaw driving mechanism, and the clamping jaw can clamp the battery monomer at the gluing position when moving to the clamping position.

[0014] In this way, the clamping component realizes the functions of clamping and removing the clamping of the battery monomer, thereby realizing the firm positioning of the battery monomer. Moreover, the structure of the clamping component is simple and low in cost.

[0015] In some embodiments, the clamping jaw comprises a first clamping plate, a second clamping plate and a clamping plate driving device, the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are respectively connected to the two output ends of the clamping plate driving device, and can approach or move away from each other along the first direction under the action of the clamping plate driving device, the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate approach each other to clamp the battery monomer when the clamping jaw moves to the clamping position, and the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate of the clamping jaw at the clamping position move away from each other to release the battery monomer after the surface to be glued of the battery monomer pastes the adhesive tape.

[0016] Thus, the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are moved towards or away from each other along the first direction to clamp or release the battery cell. Moreover, the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate clamp the battery cell from two sides of the battery cell along the first direction respectively, and do not block the surface of the battery cell to be pasted with the adhesive, which is conducive to improving the smoothness of pasting the adhesive on the battery cell.

[0017] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly further comprises a limiting plate connected to the clamping jaw, and the limiting plate is configured to resist the battery cell from the side opposite to the surface to be pasted with the adhesive.

[0018] Thus, when the clamping jaw moves from the first avoiding position to the clamping position, the limiting plate resists the surface of the battery cell opposite to the surface to be pasted with the adhesive, and then the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate of the clamping jaw move towards each other to the clamping state, and the first clamping plate abuts against the front surface of the battery cell and the second clamping plate abuts against the rear surface of the battery cell. At this time, the bottom surface, the front surface, the rear surface and the surface opposite to the surface to be pasted with the adhesive of the battery cell are all constrained, and the position of the battery cell can be reliably limited.

[0019] In some embodiments, the stopping assembly comprises a stopping member and a stopping driving device, the stopping member is connected to the output end of the stopping driving device and can reciprocate between the stopping position and the second avoiding position away from the battery conveying path under the action of the stopping driving device, and the stopping member can stop the battery cell conveyed on the battery conveying path at the pasting position when moving to the stopping position.

[0020] Thus, the stopping function of the stopping assembly on the battery cell is realized, which can improve the accuracy of the stopping position of the battery cell, thereby improving the accuracy of pasting the adhesive. Moreover, the structure of the stopping assembly is simple and the cost is low.

[0021] In some embodiments, the clamping jaw driving mechanism drives the clamping jaw to reciprocate along the third direction between the clamping position and the first avoiding position; the stopping driving device drives the stopping member to reciprocate along the third direction between the stopping position and the second avoiding position; and in the third direction, the first avoiding position and the second avoiding position are respectively located on opposite sides of the battery conveying path.

[0022] Thus, the clamping position and the first avoiding position are distributed along the third direction, so that the clamping jaw occupies less space in the second direction during movement; the stopping position and the second avoiding position are distributed along the third direction, so that the stopping member occupies less space in the second direction during movement, thereby reducing the occupation of the space in the second direction by the pasting device during pasting. Moreover, the clamping jaw and the stopping member respectively avoid the opposite sides of the battery conveying path, which reduces the probability of interference between the two and improves the smoothness of the positioning operation.

[0023] In some embodiments, the gripper drive mechanism includes: a gripper drive member configured to reciprocate along a first direction at its output end; and a transmission component connected to the output end of the gripper drive member, wherein the gripper is connected to the transmission component and, during the reciprocating movement of the output end of the gripper drive member along the first direction, the transmission component can drive the gripper to reciprocate along a third direction.

[0024] In this way, the gripper drive mechanism is able to drive the gripper to reciprocate along a third direction. Moreover, by changing the transmission direction through the transmission component, the space occupied by the gripper drive mechanism in the third upward direction can be reduced.

[0025] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly includes: a first transmission member connected to the output end of the gripper drive member, the first transmission member having a sliding protrusion; and a second transmission member connected to the gripper, the second transmission member having a sliding groove that slides in cooperation with the sliding protrusion, the extension direction of the sliding groove being located in a plane of a first direction and a third direction, and at least a portion of the extension direction of the sliding groove intersecting both the first direction and the third direction.

[0026] In this way, the transmission component can convert the motion input along the first direction into the motion output along the third direction. Moreover, the transmission component has a simple structure, occupies little space, and has low cost.

[0027] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes a clamping mounting bracket having a top plate, with a gripper drive and a second transmission member respectively disposed on opposite sides of the top plate along a second direction.

[0028] The gripper drive and the second transmission component are respectively located on opposite sides of the top plate along the second direction, saving the clamping assembly from occupying space in the first direction and the third direction upward.

[0029] In some embodiments, of the top plate and the first transmission member, one is connected to a first slide rail extending along a first direction, and the other is connected to a first slider, the first slider being slidably connected to the first slide rail; of the top plate and the second transmission member, one is connected to a second slide rail extending along a third direction, and the other is connected to a second slider, the second slider being slidably connected to the second slide rail.

[0030] Thus, the first transmission component is slidably connected to the top plate along the first direction via the first slide rail and the first slider, improving the stability of the first transmission component sliding along the first direction. The second transmission component is slidably connected to the top plate along a third direction via the second slide rail and the second slider. The second transmission component can only move relative to the top plate along the third direction, so that when the sliding protrusion moves along the first direction, it can only drive the second transmission component to reciprocate along the third direction, thereby realizing the change of transmission direction. Moreover, it also makes the sliding smoothness of the second transmission component relative to the top plate along the third direction relatively high.

[0031] In some embodiments, two battery delivery mechanisms are arranged side by side along a third direction, and the adhesive applicator further includes a clamping mounting bracket. One end of the clamping mounting bracket along a second direction is located between the two battery delivery mechanisms, and the other end is equipped with two clamping components for clamping the battery cells delivered on the two battery delivery mechanisms respectively.

[0032] This improves the efficiency of the adhesive application device. Furthermore, the two clamping components are mounted on the same clamping mounting frame, reducing the number of clamping mounting frames and simplifying the structure. In addition, the bottom of the clamping mounting frame is located between the two battery delivery mechanisms, making the distance between the two clamping components and their respective battery delivery mechanisms relatively close. The structural layout is reasonable, resulting in a compact structure that occupies little space.

[0033] In some embodiments, the picking and pasting mechanism includes a transfer device and an adsorption member connected to the transfer device. The adsorption member is configured to adsorb the adhesive sheet and, under the action of the transfer device, push the adhesive sheet to be pasted onto the adhesive surface of the battery cell.

[0034] In this way, the picking and pasting mechanism can pick up, move, and paste the adhesive sheet onto the surface to be pasted, and the chance of damaging the adhesive sheet can be reduced.

[0035] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes a sheet adhesive conveying mechanism having a sheet adhesive conveying path extending along a third direction, the sheet adhesive conveying path having an adsorption position, the sheet adhesive conveying mechanism being configured to carry the sheet adhesive from one side of the exposed first adhesive surface of the sheet adhesive and convey the sheet adhesive along the sheet adhesive conveying path to the adsorption position for pickup by the adhesive pickup mechanism.

[0036] The adhesive sheet is conveyed by an adhesive sheet conveying mechanism, which carries the adhesive sheet from below, reducing the chance of the adhesive sheet falling off during the transfer process and thus improving the smoothness of the adhesive application operation.

[0037] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes an adhesive sheet placement detection device, which is configured to detect whether adhesive sheet has moved to the adsorption position.

[0038] In this way, automatic detection of the adhesive sheet arrival is achieved, improving the accuracy of detection, so that the picking and pasting mechanism can accurately pick up the adhesive sheet, thus improving the smoothness of the adhesive application operation.

[0039] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes an angle detection device configured to detect the angle information of the adhesive sheet being transported to the adsorption position, so that the pick-up and adhesive mechanism adjusts the angle of the adhesive sheet according to the angle information during the transfer of the adhesive sheet, thereby allowing the adhesive sheet to be adhered to the adhesive surface of the positioned battery cell in a predetermined posture.

[0040] In this way, automatic correction of the adhesive sheet is achieved, improving the accuracy of adhesive application.

[0041] In some embodiments, the film delivery mechanism and the battery delivery mechanism have overlapping portions in a second direction.

[0042] This arrangement allows the adhesive sheet conveying mechanism and the battery conveying mechanism to be distributed in the second direction, reducing the space occupied in the first and third directions. Furthermore, it allows for a smaller distance between the adsorption position of the adhesive sheet conveying mechanism and the adhesive application position of the battery conveying mechanism. This helps to shorten the path length required for the picking and pasting mechanism to transfer the adhesive sheet, further reducing the chance of the adhesive sheet falling off and improving the efficiency of adhesive sheet transfer and application.

[0043] In some embodiments, the adhesive sheet includes a heat-insulating pad; the surface to be adhesiveped includes the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell.

[0044] Thus, the adhesive applicator is used to attach the heat insulation pad to the large surface of the battery cell, and the structure of the adhesive applicator is simplified, reducing the production cost of the battery module.

[0045] The second aspect of this disclosure provides an adhesive application method using an adhesive application device. The adhesive application device includes a battery conveying mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a picking and pasting mechanism. The battery conveying mechanism has a battery conveying path extending along a first direction. The battery conveying path has an adhesive application position. The battery conveying mechanism is configured to carry a battery cell from one side of a battery cell in a second direction that intersects the first direction and convey the battery cell along the battery conveying path. At least one of two surfaces of the battery cell conveyed in the battery conveying path that are opposite each other in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions is the surface to be adhesive applied.

[0046] Adhesive application methods include:

[0047] In the battery transport step, the battery transport mechanism transports individual battery cells along the battery transport path;

[0048] The positioning step involves the positioning mechanism positioning the battery cell, which has been transported to the adhesive application position, at the adhesive application position.

[0049] In the pasting step, the picking and pasting mechanism picks up the adhesive sheet with the first adhesive surface exposed and pastes the adhesive sheet onto the adhesive surface to be pasted on the battery cell through the first adhesive surface.

[0050] Throughout the entire operation, the adhesive-bearing surface of the battery cell faces the side of the battery transport path along a third direction, which is equivalent to facing the left or right side along the transport direction. This results in a relatively large space near the adhesive-bearing surface of the battery cell, allowing the picking and pasting mechanism to paste the adhesive sheet onto the battery cell along a third direction. This enables the adhesive-bearing device to paste adhesive sheets onto battery cells, eliminating the need for flipping the battery cells and simplifying the structure of the adhesive-bearing device, thereby reducing the production cost of the battery module.

[0051] In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism includes a stop assembly and a clamping assembly;

[0052] The positioning steps include:

[0053] In the blocking and stopping step, the blocking and stopping component stops the battery cells being transported in the battery transport path at the adhesive application position;

[0054] The clamping process involves clamping the battery cells with the clamping assembly.

[0055] Thus, by first stopping the individual battery cells using the stop assembly, the accuracy of the battery cell's stopping position can be improved, thereby enhancing the precision of the adhesive application. By clamping the battery cells with the clamping assembly, the picking and pasting mechanism can apply a force against the battery cell after aligning the adhesive sheet with the surface to be pasted on the battery cell, thereby ensuring that the adhesive sheet is securely pasted onto the surface to be pasted on the battery cell.

[0056] In some embodiments, the stop assembly includes a stop element and a stop drive device, wherein the stop element is connected to the output end of the stop drive device;

[0057] In the blocking and stopping step, the blocking and stopping drive device drives the blocking and stopping component to move from the second clearance position to the blocking and stopping position, blocking the battery cell at the adhesive application position;

[0058] The adhesive application method includes the following steps after the pasting process:

[0059] In the first avoidance step, the stop drive device drives the stop component to move from the stop position to the second avoidance position, so that the stop component avoids the battery delivery path.

[0060] This design allows the stop assembly to position the battery cell at the adhesive application point, improving the accuracy of the cell's stopping position and thus enhancing the precision of the adhesive application. Furthermore, removing the stop assembly after the adhesive is applied allows the battery cell to move downstream along the battery transport path.

[0061] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly includes a gripper drive mechanism and a gripper, the gripper being connected to the output end of the gripper drive mechanism;

[0062] The clamping steps include:

[0063] In the positioning step, the gripper drive mechanism drives the gripper to move from the first clearance position to the clamping position;

[0064] The clamping process involves the grippers clamping the battery cell located at the adhesive application position.

[0065] The adhesive application method, after the first avoidance step, also includes:

[0066] The release step involves the jaws releasing the battery cell with the adhesive strip attached.

[0067] In the second avoidance step, the gripper drive mechanism drives the gripper to move from the clamping position to the first avoidance position, so that the gripper avoids the battery delivery path.

[0068] In this way, the clamping assembly holds the battery cell firmly in place at the adhesive application location, thus achieving reliable positioning of the battery cell. Moreover, after the adhesive is applied, the clamping assembly is removed, allowing the battery cell to move downstream along the battery transport path.

[0069] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes a sheet adhesive conveying mechanism having a sheet adhesive conveying path extending along a third direction, the sheet adhesive conveying path having an adsorption position, the sheet adhesive conveying mechanism being configured to carry the sheet adhesive from one side of the exposed first adhesive surface of the sheet adhesive and convey the sheet adhesive along the sheet adhesive conveying path to the adsorption position for pickup by the adhesive pickup mechanism.

[0070] The adhesive application method includes the following steps before the pasting process:

[0071] In the sheet film conveying step, the sheet film conveying mechanism conveys the sheet film to the adsorption position along the sheet film conveying path.

[0072] The film conveying step and the battery conveying step are performed simultaneously;

[0073] The pasting steps include:

[0074] Pick-up step: The picking and pasting mechanism picks up the adhesive sheet that has been moved to the adsorption position;

[0075] In the patching process, the pick-up and adhesive mechanism moves the adhesive patch and attaches it to the adhesive surface of the battery cell.

[0076] The adhesive sheet is conveyed through an adhesive sheet conveying mechanism, which reduces the chance of the adhesive sheet falling off during the transfer process, thereby improving the smoothness of the adhesive application operation.

[0077] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes an angle detection device.

[0078] The adhesive application method includes the following steps before the picking step:

[0079] Angle detection step: An angle detection device detects the angle information of the adhesive sheet conveyed to the adsorption position;

[0080] In the bonding step, the picking and bonding mechanism adjusts the angle of the adhesive strip according to the angle information, so that the adhesive strip is bonded to the adhesive surface of the positioned battery cell in a predetermined posture.

[0081] In this way, automatic correction of the adhesive sheet is achieved, improving the accuracy of adhesive application.

[0082] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes an adhesive sheet placement detection device.

[0083] The adhesive application method includes the following steps before the angle detection step:

[0084] The film placement detection step involves the film placement detection device detecting whether film has moved to the adsorption position. When film has moved into place, the process transitions to the angle detection step.

[0085] This enables automatic detection of the adhesive sheet in place, improving detection accuracy and facilitating the accurate adsorption of the adhesive sheet by the picking and pasting mechanism, thus improving the smoothness of the adhesive application process.

[0086] Invention Effects

[0087] This disclosure provides a simplified adhesive application apparatus and method. Attached Figure Description

[0088] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0089] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a portion of the adhesive application device provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0090] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a battery cell using an adhesive bonding device provided in some embodiments of this disclosure to bond adhesive sheets;

[0091] Figure 3 is a top view of a partial structure of the adhesive applicator provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0092] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a portion of the adhesive application device provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0093] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the clamping assembly and clamping mounting bracket provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0094] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the structure in Figure 5;

[0095] Figure 7 is a two-dimensional exploded view of the structure in Figure 5;

[0096] Figure 8 is a top view of an adhesive applicator provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0097] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a first type of adhesive application method provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0098] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the positioning steps provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0099] Figure 11 is a second flowchart of an adhesive application method provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0100] Figure 12 is a third flowchart of an adhesive application method provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0101] Figure 13 is a fourth flowchart of the adhesive application method provided in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0102] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100 Battery cell; 101 Surface to be adhesive applied; 102 Top surface; 103 Bottom surface; 104 Rear end; 105 Front end; 106 Terminal post; 200 Adhesive sheet; 1000 First paper-tearing device; 2000 Second paper-tearing device; 1 Battery conveying mechanism; 2 Positioning mechanism; 21 Stop assembly; 211 Stop component; 212 Stop drive device; 22 Clamping assembly; 221 Gripper; 2211 First clamping plate; 2212 Second clamping plate; 2213 Clamping plate drive device; 222 Gripper drive mechanism; 2221 Gripper drive component; 2222 Transmission assembly; 2223 First transmission component; 2224 Second transmission component ; 2225 Sliding protrusion; 2226 Sliding groove; 223 Limiting plate; 2241 First slide rail; 2242 First slider; 2251 Second slide rail; 2252 Second slider; 3 Pick-up and pasting mechanism; 31 Transfer device; 32 Adsorption component; 4 Sheet glue conveying mechanism; 5 Sheet glue detection sensor; 6 Clamping mounting bracket; 61 Top plate; 611 Clearance groove; 62 Support rod; 63 Base plate; 7 Battery detection sensor; 8 Angle detection device; 9 Platform. Detailed Implementation

[0103] The embodiments of the technical solutions disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions disclosed herein and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0104] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and the foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0105] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary or secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0106] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0107] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0108] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical terms "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "circumferential," etc., indicate angles or positional relationships based on the angles or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific angle, be constructed, operated, or used at a specific angle. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0109] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0110] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact between two contacting parties with substantially no interaction force, or contact between two contacting parties with interaction force.

[0111] The following is a detailed description of this disclosure.

[0112] Currently, new energy batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems for hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in aerospace and other fields. With the continuous expansion of the application areas of power batteries, the market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0113] In the assembly process of some battery modules, there is a step of attaching heat insulation pads between two adjacent battery cells. This requires first peeling off the release paper on one side of the heat insulation pad, then attaching the release paper to the surface of the first battery cell through the exposed adhesive surface, and then peeling off the release paper on the other side of the heat insulation pad and attaching it to the second battery cell. The structural complexity of the adhesive device that attaches the release paper to the first battery cell is related to the complexity of the entire battery module production line. Therefore, simplifying the structure of this adhesive device can reduce the production cost of the battery module.

[0114] The inventors of this disclosure have noted that existing adhesive application devices typically supply battery cells to be adhesiveed via a tray, allowing for the supply of multiple cells at a time. The horizontal spacing between adjacent battery cells is small, making it impossible to adhere heat insulation pads to the outer periphery of the battery cells. Therefore, existing adhesive application devices usually place the battery cells with the surface to be adhesiveed facing upwards, so that the heat insulation pad can be applied to the surface of the battery cell from top to bottom. However, some battery cells are placed with the surface to be adhesiveed facing outwards in the previous step of the adhesive application process. Therefore, a flipping structure is needed to flip the battery cells from the outward-facing angle to the upward-facing angle, which complicates the structure of the adhesive application device and leads to high production costs for the battery modules.

[0115] The inventors of this disclosure discovered through research that by replacing the tray-supply method with a conveyor mechanism that directly transports battery cells, and by positioning the surface of the battery cell to be coated with adhesive facing left or right along the conveying direction, a larger space is created around the surface of the battery cell to be coated with adhesive. This allows the adhesive bonding mechanism to attach the heat insulation pad to the surface of the battery cell from the left or right direction, thus enabling the adhesive bonding device to attach heat insulation pads to unflipped battery cells. This eliminates the need for a flipped battery cell structure, thereby simplifying the structure of the adhesive bonding device and reducing the production cost of the battery module.

[0116] Based on this design concept, the inventors of this disclosure have designed an adhesive application device, which includes a battery conveying mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a pick-up and adhesive application mechanism. The battery conveying mechanism has a battery conveying path extending along a first direction, and the battery conveying path has an adhesive application position. The battery conveying mechanism is configured to carry the battery cell from one side of the battery cell in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and convey the battery cell along the battery conveying path. At least one of the two surfaces of the battery cell conveyed in the battery conveying path that are opposite each other in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions is the adhesive application surface. The positioning mechanism is configured to position the battery cell conveyed to the adhesive application position at the adhesive application position. The pick-up and adhesive application mechanism is configured to pick up the adhesive sheet and apply the adhesive sheet to the adhesive application surface of the battery cell.

[0117] When using this adhesive applicator for adhesive application, the battery conveying mechanism transports individual battery cells with the adhesive-bearing surface facing the third-party direction of the battery conveying path. As a battery cell moves to the adhesive application position on the conveying path, the positioning mechanism positions it. Then, the picking and pasting mechanism picks up the adhesive sheet and moves it to adhere it to the adhesive-bearing surface of the battery cell. This achieves the adhesive application to individual battery cells. Furthermore, throughout the entire process, the adhesive-bearing surface of the battery cell faces the third-party direction of the conveying path, essentially to the left or right of the conveying direction. This provides ample space near the adhesive-bearing surface, allowing the picking and pasting mechanism to adhere the adhesive sheet to the battery cell along the third-party direction. This enables the adhesive applicator to apply adhesive sheets to individual battery cells, eliminating the need for flipping the battery cells and simplifying the device's structure, thus reducing the production cost of the battery modules.

[0118] The adhesive applicator provided in this embodiment can be used to attach any sheet-like structure, such as a heat insulation pad or double-sided tape, to the surface of a battery cell.

[0119] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 13.

[0120] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a partial structure of an adhesive applicator provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a battery cell using an adhesive applicator provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure to adhere adhesive sheets; Figure 3 is a top view of a partial structure of an adhesive applicator provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a partial structure of an adhesive applicator provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the clamping assembly and clamping mounting bracket provided in some embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the structure in Figure 5; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the structure in Figure 5; Figure 8 is a top view of the adhesive applicator provided in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0122] In some embodiments of this disclosure, for ease of explanation, a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction are defined. These three directions intersect each other, including perpendicular intersections. To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure, the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 are illustrated using the example of the first direction, second direction, and third direction intersecting perpendicularly. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the case where these three directions intersect perpendicularly. For ease of explanation, as indicated by the arrows in Figures 1 to 8, the direction of arrow X is considered the first direction, the direction of arrow Z is considered the second direction, and the direction of arrow Y is considered the third direction. Sometimes, the direction pointed to by arrow Z along the second direction is referred to as "above," and its opposite direction as "below."

[0123] The first aspect of this disclosure provides an adhesive application device, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The adhesive application device includes a battery conveying mechanism 1, a positioning mechanism 2, and a pick-up and adhesive application mechanism 3. The battery conveying mechanism 1 has a battery conveying path extending along a first direction X, and the battery conveying path has an adhesive application position. The battery conveying mechanism 1 is configured to carry the battery cell 100 from one side of the battery cell 100 in a second direction Z that intersects the first direction X, and convey the battery cell 100 along the battery conveying path. At least one of the two surfaces of the battery cell 100 conveyed in the battery conveying path that are opposite to each other in a third direction Y that intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Z is the adhesive application surface 101. The positioning mechanism 2 is configured to position the battery cell 100 conveyed to the adhesive application position at the adhesive application position. The pick-up and adhesive application mechanism 3 is configured to pick up a sheet of adhesive 200 having an exposed first adhesive surface and apply the sheet of adhesive 200 to the adhesive application surface 101 of the battery cell 100 through the first adhesive surface.

[0124] The adhesive sheet 200 is a sheet-like object with an adhesive surface on at least one side, and the adhesive surface on one side is exposed after the release paper is removed. For example, the adhesive sheet 200 may have an adhesive surface on only one side, or it may have adhesive surfaces on both sides. In the case where there are adhesive surfaces on both sides, one adhesive surface is exposed after the release paper is removed, while the other adhesive surface is covered by the release paper. The adhesive applicator provided in this disclosure is used to adhere the adhesive sheet 200 to the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100 through its exposed adhesive surface. The adhesive sheet 200 may be an adhesive material used only for bonding two components, or it may be an adhesive material with adhesive function and other functions, such as, but not limited to, a heat-insulating pad with heat insulation function, a heat-conducting pad with heat conduction function, an insulating pad with insulation function, etc.

[0125] A battery cell 100 refers to a basic unit capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy, which can be used to manufacture battery modules or battery packs to supply power to electrical devices. The battery cell can be a rechargeable battery, meaning a battery cell that can be recharged after discharge to reactivate its active materials and continue to be used. The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this type.

[0126] The battery cell 100 includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, active ions (e.g., lithium ions) repeatedly insert and extract between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes to prevent short circuits while allowing active ions to pass through. The electrode assembly has tabs that allow current to be discharged from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab. The battery cell may include a casing. The casing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and electrolyte. The casing can be made of steel, aluminum, plastic (e.g., polypropylene), composite metal (e.g., copper-aluminum composite), or aluminum-plastic film. As an example, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or a battery cell of other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and multi-prismatic batteries, such as hexagonal prismatic batteries, etc. This disclosure does not have any particular limitations. At least one terminal 106 is provided on the casing, and the terminal 106 is electrically connected to the tab. The pole post 106 can be directly connected to the tab, or it can be indirectly connected to the tab through an adapter.

[0127] The battery conveying mechanism 1 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of belt conveying mechanism, chain conveying mechanism, roller conveying mechanism, double-speed chain conveying mechanism, and roller conveying mechanism.

[0128] The surface of the battery cell 100 facing the bearing surface of the battery conveying mechanism 1 is the bottom surface 103, and the surface opposite to the bottom surface 103 along the second direction Z is the top surface 102. Of the two surfaces of the battery cell 100 that are opposite each other along the first direction X, the surface that is forward along the conveying direction of the battery conveying mechanism 1 is the front surface 105, and the surface that is backward is the rear surface 104. The terminal post 106 of the battery cell 100 can be disposed on the top surface 102, the front surface 105, the rear surface 104, or the surface opposite to the adhesive surface 101. For example, the adhesive surface 101 can be the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 100, or the front surface 105 and the rear surface 104 can be the surfaces with the largest areas of the battery cell 100.

[0129] When using this adhesive applicator for adhesive application, the battery conveying mechanism 1 conveys the battery cell 100, with the adhesive-bearing surface 101 of the battery cell 100 facing the Y-axis of the battery conveying path. The positioning mechanism 2 positions the battery cell 100 on the battery conveying path at the adhesive application position. Then, the picking and pasting mechanism 3 picks up the adhesive sheet 200 and moves it to paste the adhesive sheet 200 onto the adhesive-bearing surface 101 of the battery cell 100. This completes the action of pasting the adhesive sheet 200 onto the battery cell 100. Furthermore, throughout the entire operation, the adhesive-bearing surface 101 of the battery cell 100 faces the side along the third direction Y of the battery transport path, which is equivalent to facing the left or right side along the transport direction. This results in a relatively large space near the adhesive-bearing surface 101 of the battery cell 100, allowing the picking and pasting mechanism 3 to paste the adhesive sheet 200 onto the battery cell 100 along the third direction Y. This enables the adhesive applicator to paste the adhesive sheet 200 onto the battery cell 100, eliminating the need for flipping the battery cell and simplifying the structure of the adhesive applicator, thereby reducing the production cost of the battery module.

[0130] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Title 1 and Figure 4, the positioning mechanism 2 includes a stop component 21 and a clamping component 22. The stop component 21 is configured to stop the battery cell 100 being transported in the battery transport path at the adhesive application position; the clamping component 22 is configured to clamp the battery cell 100 after the stop component 21 stops the battery cell 100.

[0131] Understandably, during the adhesive application process, the battery conveying mechanism 1 operates continuously. A battery cell 100 is placed on the conveyor belt of the battery conveying mechanism 1 at set intervals. After one of the battery cells 100 moves to the adhesive application position and is stopped by the blocking component 21, the remaining battery cells 100 that have not moved to the adhesive application position continue to move under the transmission of the battery conveying mechanism 1.

[0132] The battery cell 100 is first stopped by the stop assembly 21, so that the battery cell 100 stops accurately at the adhesive application position. Then, the battery cell 100 is clamped by the clamping assembly 22 to fix the position of the battery cell 100, so that the adhesive sheet 200 can be applied to the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100 by the pick-up and pasting mechanism 3.

[0133] Thus, by first stopping the battery cell 100 with the stop assembly 21, the accuracy of the stopping position of the battery cell 100 can be improved, thereby improving the precision of the adhesive application. By clamping the battery cell 100 with the clamping assembly 22, the picking and pasting mechanism 3 can apply a force against the battery cell 100 with the adhesive sheet 200 after aligning it with the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100, thereby ensuring that the adhesive sheet 200 is firmly adhered to the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100.

[0134] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive applicator further includes a battery positioning detection device configured to detect whether a single battery cell 100 will move to the adhesive applicator position within a set time.

[0135] The set time is the time required for the blocking component 21 to perform the blocking action. Specifically, when the battery position detection device detects that a battery cell 100 is about to move to the adhesive application position, the blocking component 21 activates the blocking function, so that when the battery cell 100 moves to the adhesive application position, the blocking component 21 has already blocked it on the battery transport path, thereby stopping the battery cell 100 in time and improving the accuracy of the position of the battery cell 100 when it is stopped.

[0136] For example, the battery positioning detection device includes a battery detection sensor 7, which detects whether a single battery cell 100 is about to reach the adhesive application position by sensing. The battery detection sensor 7 includes, but is not limited to, a through-beam sensor, a proximity sensor, or a distance sensor, etc. The specific detection principle can be found in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0137] For example, the battery positioning detection device includes a first encoder, which is used in conjunction with a drive system that provides power to the battery conveying mechanism 1 to achieve precise control of the conveying position of the battery cell 100 by the battery conveying mechanism 1.

[0138] For example, the battery positioning detection device includes a first encoder and a battery detection sensor 7. When the results detected by the first encoder and the battery detection sensor 7 are the same, it indicates that the detection result is highly accurate, and the subsequent positioning action of the battery cell 100 can be performed. However, if one of them detects the presence of the battery cell 100 while the other does not, it indicates that one of them has malfunctioned and the detection result is not accurate enough. In this case, an alarm signal is issued to prompt maintenance personnel to perform maintenance, and the subsequent positioning action of the battery cell 100 is not performed.

[0139] Regarding the selection of the first encoder and the battery detection sensor 7, this disclosure does not impose any particular restrictions on them as long as they are suitable for use in the adhesive applicator. They can be made in-house or purchased as commercial products.

[0140] In this way, automatic detection of the battery cell 100 in place is achieved, improving the accuracy of detection, so that the positioning mechanism 2 can fix the position of the battery cell 100 in time, and improving the smoothness of the adhesive application operation.

[0141] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the clamping assembly 22 includes a gripper drive mechanism 222 and a gripper 221. The gripper 221 is connected to the output end of the gripper drive mechanism 222 and can reciprocate between a clamping position and a first avoidance position that avoids the battery transport path under the action of the gripper drive mechanism 222. When the gripper 221 moves to the clamping position, it can clamp the battery cell 100 located at the adhesive application position.

[0142] The first avoidance position avoids the battery transport path, meaning that the first avoidance position is not on the battery transport path. This allows the gripper 221 to clear the battery transport path when it is in the first avoidance position, without obstructing the movement of the battery cell 100. After the gripper 221 moves from the clamping position to the first avoidance position, the battery cell 100 begins to move downstream along the battery transport path under the transport of the battery transport mechanism 1.

[0143] For example, the first clearance position can be located above the clamping position along the second direction Z. Specifically, when the gripper 221 is in the first clearance position, the distance from the conveying surface of the battery conveying mechanism 1 is greater than the dimension of the battery cell 100 along the second direction Z, so that the gripper 221 will not block the battery cell 100, and the battery cell 100 can move downstream along the battery conveying path. For example, the first clearance position can be located on the side of the clamping position along the third direction Y. Specifically, when the gripper 221 is in the first clearance position, it is located on the side of the battery conveying path along the third direction Y, so that the gripper 221 will not block the battery cell 100, and the battery cell 100 can move downstream along the battery conveying path.

[0144] After the battery cell 100 is stopped by the blocking component 21, the gripper 221 moves from the first clearance position to the clamping position under the drive of the gripper drive mechanism 222. Then, the gripper 221 clamps the battery cell 100 so that the adhesive sheet 200 can be applied to the battery cell 100 by the pick-up and pasting mechanism 3. After the adhesive sheet 200 is applied, the blocking component 21 removes the obstruction, and the gripper 221 moves from the clamping position to the first clearance position under the drive of the gripper drive mechanism 222. Thus, the battery cell 100 with the adhesive sheet 200 applied begins to move downstream along the battery transport path under the transport of the battery transport mechanism 1, so as to transport the battery cell 100 to the device for the next process.

[0145] In this way, the clamping assembly 22 can clamp and release the battery cell 100, thereby achieving reliable positioning of the battery cell 100. Moreover, the clamping assembly 22 has a simple structure and low cost.

[0146] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG5, the gripper 221 includes a first clamping plate 2211, a second clamping plate 2212, and a clamping plate driving device 2213. The first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 are respectively connected to the two output ends of the clamping plate driving device 2213, and can move closer to each other or further away from each other along the first direction X under the action of the clamping plate driving device 2213. When the gripper 221 moves to the clamping position, the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 move closer to each other to clamp the battery cell 100. After the adhesive 200 is pasted on the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100, the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 of the gripper 221 in the clamping position move further away from each other to release the battery cell 100.

[0147] For example, the gripper 221 further includes a clamping plate driving device 2213, which is used to move the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 closer to or further away from each other along a first direction X, thereby clamping or releasing the battery cell 100. The clamping plate driving device 2213 may be connected only to the first clamping plate 2211, with the position of the second clamping plate 2212 fixed. The clamping plate driving device 2213 clamps or releases the battery cell 100 by driving the first clamping plate 2211 closer to or further away from the second clamping plate 2212. Alternatively, the clamping plate driving device 2213 may be connected to both the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212, driving them to move towards or away from each other, similarly achieving the function of clamping or releasing the battery cell 100. The clamping plate driving device 2213 includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder or a motor.

[0148] Thus, by moving the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 closer to or further away from each other along the first direction X, the function of clamping or releasing the battery cell 100 is achieved. Moreover, since the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 clamp the battery cell 100 from both sides along the first direction X, they do not obstruct the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100 to be applied, which helps to improve the smoothness of applying the adhesive 200 to the battery cell 100.

[0149] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the clamping plate driving device 2213 has two output ends. The first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 are respectively connected to the two output ends of the clamping plate driving device 2213. The clamping plate driving device 2213 can drive the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 to move towards each other or away from each other through the two output ends.

[0150] Thus, the clamping drive device 2213 enables the clamps 221 to clamp or release the battery cell 100. Moreover, both the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 are connected to the clamping drive device 2213, which simplifies the structure of the clamps 221.

[0151] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG5, the clamping assembly 22 further includes a limiting plate 223 connected to the gripper 221, the limiting plate 223 being configured to abut against the battery cell 100 from the side opposite to the adhesive surface 101 to be applied.

[0152] Thus, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, when the gripper 221 moves from the first clearance position to the clamping position, the limiting plate 223 abuts against the surface of the battery cell 100 opposite to the adhesive surface 101 to be applied. Then, the first clamping plate 2211 and the second clamping plate 2212 of the gripper 221 approach each other. When they approach to the clamping state, the first clamping plate 2211 abuts against the front 105 of the battery cell 100, and the second clamping plate 2212 abuts against the rear 104 of the battery cell 100. At this time, the bottom surface 103, the front surface 105, the rear surface 104, and the surface opposite to the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100 are all constrained, and the position of the battery cell 100 can be reliably fixed.

[0153] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG4, the stop assembly 21 includes a stop member 211 and a stop drive device 212. The stop member 211 is connected to the output end of the stop drive device 212 and can reciprocate between a stop position and a second avoidance position that avoids the battery transport path under the action of the stop drive device 212. When the stop member 211 moves to the stop position, it can stop the battery cell 100 transported on the battery transport path at the adhesive application position.

[0154] The second avoidance position avoids the battery transport path, meaning that the second avoidance position is not on the battery transport path. This allows the stop member 211 to clear the battery transport path when it is in the second avoidance position, without obstructing the movement of the battery cell 100. This allows the battery cell 100 to start moving downstream along the battery transport path under the transport of the battery transport mechanism 1 after the stop member 211 moves from the stop position to the second avoidance position.

[0155] For example, the second clearance position can be located above the stop position along the second direction Z. Specifically, when the stop member 211 is in the second clearance position, the distance from the conveying surface of the battery conveying mechanism 1 is greater than the dimension of the battery cell 100 along the second direction Z, so that the stop member 211 does not obstruct the battery cell 100, and the battery cell 100 can move downstream along the battery conveying path. For example, the second clearance position can be located on the side of the stop position along the third direction Y. Specifically, when the stop member 211 is in the second clearance position, it is located on the side of the battery conveying path along the third direction Y, so that the stop member 211 does not obstruct the battery cell 100, and the battery cell 100 can move downstream along the battery conveying path.

[0156] When the battery cell 100 is about to move to the adhesive application position, the stop component 211 moves from the second avoidance position to the stop position under the action of the stop drive device 212. After that, the battery cell 100 moves to the adhesive application position and will not continue to move under the obstruction of the stop component 211. That is, the stop component 21 stops the battery cell 100 at the adhesive application position.

[0157] In this way, the stop assembly 21 achieves the function of stopping the battery cell 100, which can improve the accuracy of the stopping position of the battery cell 100, thereby improving the precision of adhesive bonding. Moreover, the stop assembly 21 has a simple structure and low cost.

[0158] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the gripper drive mechanism 222 drives the gripper 221 to reciprocate between a clamping position and a first clearance position along a third direction Y; the stop drive device 212 drives the stop member 211 to reciprocate between a stop position and a second clearance position along a third direction Y; in the third direction Y, the first clearance position and the second clearance position are located on opposite sides of the battery transport path.

[0159] Thus, the clamping position and the first avoidance position are distributed along the third direction Y, so the space occupied by the gripper 221 in the second direction Z is relatively small during its movement; the stopping position and the second avoidance position are also distributed along the third direction Y, so the space occupied by the stopper 211 in the second direction Z is relatively small during its movement. Therefore, the space occupied by the adhesive applicator in the second direction Z during the adhesive applicator process can be reduced. Moreover, the gripper 221 and the stopper 211 avoid each other on opposite sides of the battery transport path, reducing the probability of interference between them and improving the smoothness of the positioning operation.

[0160] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the gripper drive mechanism 222 includes a gripper drive member 2221 and a transmission assembly 2222. The gripper drive member 2221 is configured such that its output end reciprocates along a first direction X. The transmission assembly 2222 is connected to the output end of the gripper drive member 2221, and the gripper 221 is connected to the transmission assembly 2222. During the reciprocating movement of the output end of the gripper drive member 2221 along the first direction X, the transmission assembly 2222 can drive the gripper 221 to reciprocate along a third direction Y.

[0161] The gripper drive 2221 is configured such that its output end reciprocates along the first direction X, that is, the gripper drive 2221 is a linear drive device, and the gripper drive 2221 includes, but is not limited to, linear cylinders, linear motors, electric telescopic rods or pneumatic telescopic rods.

[0162] The transmission assembly 2222 can convert the linear motion output by the gripper drive 2221 along the first direction X into linear motion along the third direction Y, that is, the transmission assembly 2222 has the function of changing the transmission direction.

[0163] In this way, the gripper drive mechanism 222 drives the gripper 221 to reciprocate along the third direction Y. Moreover, by changing the transmission direction through the transmission component 2222, the space occupied by the gripper drive mechanism 222 in the third direction Y can be reduced.

[0164] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG6, the transmission assembly 2222 includes a first transmission member 2223 and a second transmission member 2224. The first transmission member 2223 is connected to the output end of the gripper drive member 2221 and is provided with a sliding protrusion 2225. The second transmission member 2224 is connected to the gripper 221 and is provided with a sliding groove 2226 that slides with the sliding protrusion 2225. The extension direction of the sliding groove 2226 is located in the plane of the first direction X and the third direction Y, and at least a portion of the extension direction of the sliding groove 2226 intersects the first direction X and the third direction Y.

[0165] For example, the sliding protrusion 2225 is a cylindrical structure that extends into the sliding groove 2226, and the cylindrical surface of the outer periphery of the sliding protrusion 2225 slides in contact with the inner wall of the sliding groove 2226, improving the smoothness of the sliding protrusion 2225 along the sliding groove 2226. For example, the second transmission member 2224 is a plate-like structure, and its plate surface is located in the plane containing the first direction X and the third direction Y. The sliding groove 2226 passes through the second transmission member 2224 along the second direction Z.

[0166] After the stop assembly 21 stops the battery cell 100, the first transmission member 2223 reciprocates along the first direction X under the action of the gripper drive member 2221, causing the sliding protrusion 2225 to reciprocate along the first direction X. Since the extension direction of the sliding groove 2226 is located in the plane of the first direction X and the third direction Y, and at least part of the extension direction of the sliding groove 2226 intersects both the first direction X and the third direction Y, during the process of the sliding protrusion 2225 reciprocating along the first direction X and passing through the part of the sliding groove 2226 that intersects both the first direction X and the third direction Y, the sliding protrusion 2225 and the inner wall of the sliding groove 2226 interact with each other, driving the second transmission member 2224 with the sliding groove 2226 to reciprocate along the third direction Y, thereby realizing the function of changing the transmission direction of the transmission assembly 2222.

[0167] In this way, the transmission component 2222 can convert the motion input along the first direction X into the motion output along the third direction Y. Moreover, the transmission component 2222 has a simple structure, occupies little space and has low cost.

[0168] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the adhesive applicator further includes a clamping mounting frame 6, which has a top plate 61, and a gripper drive member 2221 and a second transmission member 2224 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the top plate 61 along the second direction Z.

[0169] For example, the gripper drive 2221 is mounted above the top plate 61, and the second transmission member 2224 is located below the top plate 61. The top plate 61 is provided with a clearance groove 611 extending along the first direction X. One end of the first transmission member 2223 is connected to the output end of the gripper drive 2221, and the other end passes downward along the second direction Z through the clearance groove 611. The end of the other end is provided with a sliding protrusion 2225, which slides through the sliding groove 2226 of the second transmission member 2224.

[0170] The gripper drive 2221 and the second transmission 2224 are respectively located on opposite sides of the top plate 61 along the second direction Z, saving the space occupied by the clamping assembly 22 in the first direction X and the third direction Y.

[0171] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG7, one of the top plate 61 and the first transmission member 2223 is connected to a first slide rail 2241 extending along a first direction X, and the other is connected to a first slider 2242, the first slider 2242 being slidably connected to the first slide rail 2241; one of the top plate 61 and the second transmission member 2224 is connected to a second slide rail 2251 extending along a third direction Y, and the other is connected to a second slider 2252, the second slider 2252 being slidably connected to the second slide rail 2251.

[0172] For example, two second slide rails 2251 are provided at intervals along the first direction X, and a second slider 2252 is slidably connected on each second slide rail 2251, thereby improving the stability of the second transmission member 2224 sliding along the third direction Y.

[0173] Thus, the first transmission component 2223 is slidably connected to the top plate 61 along the first direction X via the first slide rail 2241 and the first slider 2242, improving the stability of the first transmission component 2223 sliding along the first direction X. The second transmission component 2224 is slidably connected to the top plate 61 along the third direction Y via the second slide rail 2251 and the second slider 2252. The second transmission component 2224 can only move relative to the top plate 61 along the third direction Y, so that when the sliding protrusion 2225 moves along the first direction X, it can only drive the second transmission component 2224 to reciprocate along the third direction Y, thereby realizing the change of transmission direction. Moreover, it also makes the smoothness of the second transmission component 2224 sliding relative to the top plate 61 along the third direction Y relatively high.

[0174] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, two battery delivery mechanisms 1 are arranged side by side along the third direction Y. The adhesive application device also includes a clamping mounting bracket 6. One end of the clamping mounting bracket 6 along the second direction Z is located between the two battery delivery mechanisms 1, and the other end is equipped with two clamping components 22. The two clamping components 22 are used to clamp the battery cells 100 delivered on the two battery delivery mechanisms 1 respectively.

[0175] This improves the efficiency of the adhesive application device. Furthermore, the two clamping components 22 are installed together on the same clamping mounting frame 6, reducing the number of clamping mounting frames 6 and simplifying the structure. In addition, the bottom end of the clamping mounting frame 6 is located between the two battery conveying mechanisms 1, making the distance between the two clamping components 22 and their respective battery conveying mechanisms 1 relatively close. The structural layout is reasonable, making the structure compact and occupying little space.

[0176] For example, as shown in FIG6, the clamping mounting bracket 6 includes a base plate 63, two support rods 62 and two top plates 61. The bottom ends of the two support rods 62 are respectively connected to the two ends of the base plate 63 along the first direction X. The top plates 61 are connected to the top ends of the two support rods 62, and the two top plates 61 are distributed along the third direction Y. The two clamping components 22 connected to the two top plates 61 are arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner.

[0177] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the picking and pasting mechanism 3 includes a transfer device 31 and an adsorption member 32 connected to the transfer device 31. The adsorption member 32 is configured to adsorb the adhesive sheet 200 and, under the action of the transfer device 31, drive the adhesive sheet 200 to be pasted onto the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100.

[0178] The adsorption component 32 includes, but is not limited to, a vacuum suction cup. The picking and pasting mechanism 3 picks up the adhesive sheet 200 by adsorption, which reduces damage to the adhesive sheet 200 compared to clamping. The transfer device 31 can be any device capable of carrying the adsorption component 32 for positional transfer, including but not limited to a six-axis robotic arm.

[0179] In this way, the picking and pasting mechanism 3 can pick up, move the adhesive sheet 200 and paste the adhesive sheet 200 onto the adhesive surface 101 to be pasted, and the chance of damaging the adhesive sheet 200 can be reduced.

[0180] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the adhesive applicator further includes a sheet adhesive conveying mechanism 4 having a sheet adhesive conveying path extending along a third direction Y, the sheet adhesive conveying path having an adsorption position, and the sheet adhesive conveying mechanism 4 being configured to carry the sheet adhesive 200 from one side of the exposed first adhesive surface of the sheet adhesive 200 and convey the sheet adhesive 200 along the sheet adhesive conveying path to the adsorption position for pickup by the pickup and bonding mechanism 3.

[0181] The sheet conveying mechanism 4 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of belt conveying mechanism, chain conveying mechanism, roller conveying mechanism, double-speed chain conveying mechanism, and roller conveying mechanism.

[0182] The adhesive sheet 200 is conveyed by the adhesive sheet conveying mechanism 4. The adhesive sheet conveying mechanism 4 carries the adhesive sheet 200 from below and moves it, which can reduce the chance of the adhesive sheet 200 falling off during the transfer process, thereby improving the smoothness of the adhesive application operation.

[0183] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive applicator further includes an adhesive sheet positioning detection device configured to detect whether adhesive sheet 200 has moved to the adsorption position.

[0184] As exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 3, the adhesive film arrival detection device includes an adhesive film detection sensor 5, which detects whether adhesive film 200 has arrived at the adsorption position by sensing. The adhesive film detection sensor 5 includes, but is not limited to, through-beam sensors, proximity sensors, or distance sensors, etc. The specific detection principle can be found in the prior art, and will not be elaborated here.

[0185] For example, the film position detection device includes a second encoder, which is used in conjunction with the drive system that provides power to the film conveying mechanism 4 to achieve precise control of the conveying position of the film 200 by the film conveying mechanism 4.

[0186] For example, the film placement detection device includes a second encoder and a film detection sensor 5. When the results detected by the second encoder and the film detection sensor 5 are the same, it indicates that the detection result is highly accurate, and the film 200 adsorption operation can proceed. However, if one of them detects the presence of film 200 while the other does not, it indicates that one of them has malfunctioned and the detection result is not accurate enough. In this case, an alarm signal is issued to prompt maintenance personnel to perform maintenance, and the subsequent film 200 adsorption operation is not performed.

[0187] Regarding the selection of the second encoder and the adhesive film detection sensor 5, this disclosure does not impose any particular restrictions on them as long as they are suitable for the application of the adhesive application device. They can be made in-house or purchased as commercial products.

[0188] In this way, automatic detection of the adhesive sheet 200 is achieved, improving the accuracy of detection, so that the picking and pasting mechanism 3 can accurately pick up the adhesive sheet 200, thus improving the smoothness of the adhesive application operation.

[0189] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the adhesive applicator further includes an angle detection device 8. The angle detection device 8 is configured to detect the angle information of the adhesive sheet 200 delivered to the adsorption position, so that the picking and pasting mechanism 3 adjusts the angle of the adhesive sheet 200 according to the angle information during the transfer of the adhesive sheet 200, thereby making the adhesive sheet 200 adhered to the adhesive surface 101 of the positioned battery cell 100 in a predetermined posture.

[0190] The angle detection device 8 includes, but is not limited to, a CCD (charge coupled device) camera. The CCD camera identifies the position coordinates of the adhesive sheet 200 by capturing images of the sheet as it moves to the adsorption position. The picking and pasting mechanism 3 adjusts the angle of the adhesive sheet 200 based on these coordinates, correcting its deviation so that the sheet 200 is pasted onto the adhesive-bearing surface 101 of the positioned battery cell 100 in a predetermined posture, thereby improving the accuracy of the adhesive application. For example, the CCD camera is mounted above the adsorption position of the adhesive sheet conveying mechanism 4, allowing it to clearly capture images of the adhesive sheet 200, improving detection accuracy and thus improving the accuracy of the adhesive application.

[0191] In this way, automatic correction of the adhesive sheet 200 is achieved, improving the accuracy of adhesive application.

[0192] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the film conveying mechanism 4 and the battery conveying mechanism 1 have overlapping portions in the second direction Z.

[0193] For example, as shown in FIG1, the film conveying mechanism 4 is located above the battery conveying mechanism 1.

[0194] In this way, the adhesive sheet conveying mechanism 4 and the battery conveying mechanism 1 are distributed in the second direction Z, reducing the space occupied in the first direction X and the third direction Y. Moreover, the distance between the adsorption position of the adhesive sheet conveying mechanism 4 and the adhesive application position of the battery conveying mechanism 1 is relatively small, which helps to shorten the path length required for the picking and pasting mechanism 3 to transfer the adhesive sheet 200, further reducing the probability of the adhesive sheet 200 falling off, and improving the efficiency of adhesive sheet 200 transfer and adhesive application efficiency.

[0195] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the adhesive applicator further includes a platform 9, and the battery conveying mechanism 1, positioning mechanism 2, picking and pasting mechanism 3, adhesive sheet conveying mechanism 4, clamping mounting bracket 6 and stop drive device 212 are all mounted on the platform 9.

[0196] This makes the adhesive application device a single unit, improving structural strength and making it easier to move.

[0197] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive sheet 200 includes a heat-insulating pad; the adhesive surface 101 to be applied includes the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 100.

[0198] The surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 100 is called the large surface of the battery cell 100. That is, the embodiments of this disclosure are used to attach the heat insulation pad to the large surface of the battery cell 100.

[0199] Thus, the adhesive applicator is used to attach the heat insulation pad to the large surface of the battery cell 100, and the structure of the adhesive applicator is simplified, reducing the production cost of the battery module.

[0200] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG8, the adhesive application device further includes a first paper-tearing device 1000 and a second paper-tearing device 2000. The first paper-tearing device 1000 is configured to peel off the release paper on one side of the adhesive sheet 200 to expose a first adhesive surface; the second paper-tearing device 2000 is configured to peel off the release paper on the other side of the adhesive sheet 200 that has been pasted to the battery cell 100 to expose a second adhesive surface.

[0201] First, the first paper-tearing device 1000 peels off the release paper on one side of the adhesive sheet 200, exposing the first adhesive surface. Then, the battery conveying mechanism 1 of the adhesive applicator provided in the first aspect conveys the battery cell 100, and the positioning mechanism 2 positions the battery cell 100 conveyed on the battery conveying path at the adhesive application position. After that, the picking and pasting mechanism 3 picks up the adhesive sheet 200 and moves it, pasting the adhesive sheet 200 onto the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100 through the first adhesive surface. Then, the second paper-tearing device 2000 peels off the release paper on the other side of the adhesive sheet 200 that has been pasted onto the battery cell 100, exposing the second adhesive surface. Subsequently, it is bonded to another battery cell through the second adhesive surface, so that the two battery cells 100 are bonded together.

[0202] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a first type of adhesive application method provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10 is a flowchart of a positioning step provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11 is a flowchart of a second type of adhesive application method provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 12 is a flowchart of a third type of adhesive application method provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 13 is a flowchart of a fourth type of adhesive application method provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0203] The second aspect of this disclosure provides an adhesive application method using an adhesive application device, which includes a battery conveying mechanism 1, a positioning mechanism 2, and a picking and pasting mechanism 3. The battery conveying mechanism 1 has a battery conveying path extending along a first direction X, and the battery conveying path has an adhesive application position. The battery conveying mechanism 1 is configured to carry the battery cell 100 from one side of the battery cell 100 in a second direction Z that intersects the first direction X, and convey the battery cell 100 along the battery conveying path. At least one of the two surfaces of the battery cell 100 conveyed in the battery conveying path that are opposite to each other in a third direction Y that intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Z is the adhesive application surface 101.

[0204] As shown in Figure 9, the adhesive application method includes:

[0205] S100, Battery transport step: The battery transport mechanism transports individual battery cells along the battery transport path;

[0206] S200, Positioning Step: The positioning mechanism positions the battery cell delivered to the adhesive application position at the adhesive application position;

[0207] S300, Adhesion steps: The pick-up and adhesive mechanism picks up the adhesive sheet with an exposed first adhesive surface and adheres the adhesive sheet to the adhesive surface of the battery cell through the first adhesive surface.

[0208] Throughout the entire operation described above, the adhesive-bearing surface 101 of the battery cell 100 faces the side along the third direction Y of the battery transport path, which is equivalent to facing the left or right side along the transport direction. This results in a relatively large space near the adhesive-bearing surface 101 of the battery cell 100, allowing the picking and pasting mechanism 3 to paste the adhesive sheet 200 onto the battery cell 100 along the third direction Y. This enables the adhesive applicator to paste the adhesive sheet 200 onto the battery cell 100, eliminating the need for flipping the battery cell and simplifying the structure of the adhesive applicator, thereby reducing the production cost of the battery module.

[0209] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the positioning mechanism 2 includes a stop assembly 21 and a clamping assembly 22;

[0210] As shown in Figure 10, the positioning steps include:

[0211] S201, Stopping Step: The stopping component stops the battery cell being transported in the battery transport path at the adhesive application position;

[0212] S202, Clamping Step: The clamping assembly clamps the battery cell.

[0213] Thus, by first stopping the battery cell 100 with the stop assembly 21, the accuracy of the stopping position of the battery cell 100 can be improved, thereby improving the precision of the adhesive application. By clamping the battery cell 100 with the clamping assembly 22, the picking and pasting mechanism 3 can apply a force against the battery cell 100 with the adhesive sheet 200 after aligning it with the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100, thereby ensuring that the adhesive sheet 200 is firmly adhered to the adhesive surface 101 of the battery cell 100.

[0214] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the stop assembly 21 includes a stop element 211 and a stop drive device 212, wherein the stop element 211 is connected to the output end of the stop drive device 212;

[0215] In the blocking and stopping step, the blocking and stopping drive device 212 drives the blocking and stopping component 211 to move from the second clearance position to the blocking and stopping position, blocking and stopping the battery cell 100 at the adhesive application position.

[0216] As shown in Figure 11, the adhesive application method includes the following steps after the pasting process:

[0217] S401, First avoidance step: The stop drive device drives the stop component to move from the stop position to the second avoidance position, so that the stop component avoids the battery transport path.

[0218] In this way, the stop assembly 21 stops the battery cell 100 at the adhesive application position, which improves the accuracy of the stopping position of the battery cell 100, thereby improving the precision of adhesive application. Moreover, after the adhesive strip 200 is applied, the stop assembly 21 is removed, allowing the battery cell 100 to move downstream along the battery transport path.

[0219] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the clamping assembly 22 includes a gripper drive mechanism 222 and a gripper 221, with the gripper 221 connected to the output end of the gripper drive mechanism 222.

[0220] As shown in Figure 12, the clamping steps include:

[0221] S2021, Positioning step: The gripper drive mechanism drives the gripper to move from the first clearance position to the clamping position;

[0222] S2022, Clamping steps: The clamping jaws have stopped the battery cell at the adhesive application position;

[0223] The adhesive application method, after the first avoidance step, also includes:

[0224] S402, Release procedure: The jaws release the battery cell with adhesive strips attached;

[0225] S403, Second avoidance step: The gripper drive mechanism drives the gripper to move from the clamping position to the first avoidance position, so that the gripper avoids the battery transport path.

[0226] Thus, the clamping assembly 22 clamps the battery cell 100 at the adhesive application position, thereby achieving reliable positioning of the battery cell 100. Moreover, after the adhesive 200 is applied, the clamping assembly 22 is removed, allowing the battery cell 100 to move downstream along the battery transport path.

[0227] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive applicator further includes a sheet adhesive conveying mechanism 4 having a sheet adhesive conveying path extending along a third direction Y, the sheet adhesive conveying path having an adsorption position, the sheet adhesive conveying mechanism 4 being configured to carry the sheet adhesive 200 from one side of the exposed adhesive surface of the sheet adhesive 200 and convey the sheet adhesive 200 along the sheet adhesive conveying path to the adsorption position for pickup by the pickup and adhesive applicator 3.

[0228] As shown in Figure 13, the adhesive application method includes the following steps before the pasting process:

[0229] S1001, Sheet film conveying step: The sheet film conveying mechanism conveys the sheet film to the adsorption position along the sheet film conveying path.

[0230] The film conveying step and the battery conveying step are performed simultaneously;

[0231] The pasting steps include:

[0232] S301, Pick-up step: The pickup and pasting mechanism picks up the adhesive sheet that has been moved to the adsorption position;

[0233] S302, Patch application procedure: The pick-up and application mechanism moves the adhesive patch and applies it to the adhesive surface of the battery cell.

[0234] The adhesive sheet 200 is conveyed by the adhesive sheet conveying mechanism 4, which can reduce the chance of the adhesive sheet 200 falling off during the transfer process, thereby improving the smoothness of the adhesive application operation.

[0235] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive applicator further includes an angle detection device 8.

[0236] As shown in Figure 13, the adhesive application method includes the following steps before the picking step:

[0237] S1003, Angle Detection Step: The angle detection device detects the angle information of the adhesive sheet conveyed to the adsorption position.

[0238] In the bonding step, the picking and bonding mechanism adjusts the angle of the adhesive strip according to the angle information, so that the adhesive strip is bonded to the adhesive surface of the positioned battery cell in a predetermined posture.

[0239] In this way, automatic correction of the adhesive sheet 200 is achieved, improving the accuracy of adhesive application.

[0240] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive applicator further includes an adhesive sheet placement detection device.

[0241] As shown in Figure 13, the adhesive application method includes the following steps before the angle detection step:

[0242] S1002, Sheet adhesive placement detection step: The sheet adhesive placement detection device detects whether sheet adhesive has moved to the adsorption position, and when sheet adhesive has moved into place, it switches to the angle detection step.

[0243] In this way, automatic detection of the adhesive sheet 200 is achieved, improving the accuracy of detection, so that the picking and pasting mechanism 3 can accurately pick up the adhesive sheet 200, thus improving the smoothness of the adhesive application operation.

[0244] The following describes specific examples of some embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0245] As a specific example, the adhesive application device includes a gripper transfer cylinder (gripper drive component 2221), a heat insulation pad positioning mechanism, a cell positioning mechanism (clamping component 22), a heat insulation pad conveying mechanism (sheet adhesive conveying mechanism 4), a cell conveying mechanism (battery conveying mechanism 1), a cell blocking mechanism (stopping component 21), and a heat insulation pad attaching mechanism (pick-up and pasting mechanism 3), etc. When the battery cell (cell 100) is in position, a blocking signal is triggered (battery detection sensor 7 is triggered). The blocking cylinder (stop drive device 212) drives the baffle (stop component 211) to extend and stop the battery cell. The gripper transfer cylinder drives the gripper (gripper 221) to move to the vicinity of the battery cell. The gripper closes and clamps the battery cell. The heat insulation pad (sheet adhesive 200) is triggered by a signal sent through the heat insulation pad conveying mechanism (sheet adhesive detection sensor 5 is triggered). The heat insulation pad positioning mechanism positions the heat insulation pad at the adsorption position. The CCD camera (angle detection device 8) is activated to take a picture, perform three-dimensional coordinate recognition of the heat insulation pad, and send it to the six-axis robot (transfer device 31). The six-axis robot picks up the heat insulation pad and corrects the angle of the heat insulation pad according to the coordinates transmitted by the CCD camera. The corrected heat insulation pad is then attached to the large surface of the battery cell (the adhesive surface 101). The blocking cylinder drives the baffle to retract, the gripper opens and retracts, and the battery cell flows out through the battery cell conveying mechanism. The entire workflow is completed.

[0246] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and all should be covered within the scope of this disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way.

Claims

1. An adhesive applicator, comprising: A battery transport mechanism has a battery transport path extending along a first direction, the battery transport path having adhesive application positions, and the battery transport mechanism is configured to carry the battery cell from one side of a battery cell in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and transport the battery cell along the battery transport path. At least one of the two surfaces of the battery cell transported in the battery transport path that are opposite to a third direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction is the surface to be adhesiveped. A positioning mechanism configured to position the battery cell delivered to the adhesive application position at the adhesive application position; The pick-up and adhesive mechanism is configured to pick up a sheet of adhesive with an exposed first adhesive surface and adhere the sheet of adhesive to the adhesive surface to be adhered on the battery cell through the first adhesive surface.

2. The adhesive applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning mechanism includes: A stop assembly, configured to stop the battery cell being transported in the battery transport path at the adhesive application position; A clamping assembly configured to clamp the battery cell after the stop assembly stops the battery cell.

3. The adhesive applicator according to claim 2, wherein, The clamping assembly includes: gripper drive mechanism; The gripper, connected to the output end of the gripper drive mechanism, is capable of reciprocating between a clamping position and a first avoidance position that avoids the battery delivery path under the action of the gripper drive mechanism. When the gripper moves to the clamping position, it can clamp the battery cell located at the adhesive application position.

4. The adhesive applicator according to claim 3, wherein, The gripper includes a first clamping plate, a second clamping plate, and a clamping plate driving device. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are respectively connected to the two output ends of the clamping plate driving device, and can move closer to or further away from each other along the first direction under the action of the clamping plate driving device. When the gripper moves to the clamping position, the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move closer to each other to clamp the battery cell. After the adhesive sheet is applied to the adhesive surface of the battery cell, the first and second clamping plates of the clamping jaws located at the clamping position move away from each other to release the battery cell.

5. The adhesive applicator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The clamping assembly also includes a limiting plate connected to the gripper, the limiting plate being configured to abut the battery cell from the side opposite to the adhesive surface to be applied.

6. The adhesive applicator according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The stop assembly includes a stop component and a stop driving device. The stop component is connected to the output end of the stop driving device and can reciprocate between a stop position and a second avoidance position that avoids the battery delivery path under the action of the stop driving device. When the stopper moves to the stop position, it can stop the battery cell being transported on the battery transport path at the adhesive application position.

7. The adhesive applicator according to claim 6, wherein, The gripper drive mechanism drives the gripper to reciprocate between the clamping position and the first clearance position along the third direction; The stop drive device drives the stop member to reciprocate between the stop position and the second avoidance position along the third direction; In the third direction, the first avoidance position and the second avoidance position are located on opposite sides of the battery delivery path.

8. The adhesive applicator according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The gripper drive mechanism includes: A gripper drive, wherein the gripper drive is configured such that its output end reciprocates along the first direction; A transmission assembly is connected to the output end of the gripper drive component, and the gripper is connected to the transmission assembly. During the reciprocating movement of the output end of the gripper drive along the first direction, the gripper can be driven to reciprocate along the third direction via the transmission assembly.

9. The adhesive applicator according to claim 8, wherein, The transmission assembly includes: A first transmission component is connected to the output end of the gripper drive component, and the first transmission component is provided with a sliding protrusion; The second transmission member is connected to the gripper. The second transmission member is provided with a sliding groove that slides in conjunction with the sliding protrusion. The extension direction of the sliding groove is located in the plane of the first direction and the third direction, and at least a portion of the extension direction of the sliding groove intersects the first direction and the third direction.

10. The adhesive applicator according to claim 9, wherein, The adhesive applicator further includes a clamping mounting frame, which has a top plate, and the gripper drive and the second transmission component are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the top plate along the second direction.

11. The adhesive applicator according to claim 10, wherein, Of the top plate and the first transmission component, one is connected to a first slide rail extending along the first direction, and the other is connected to a first slider, with the first slider slidably connected to the first slide rail. Of the top plate and the second transmission component, one is connected to a second slide rail extending along the third direction, and the other is connected to a second slider, which is slidably connected to the second slide rail.

12. The adhesive applicator according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein, Two battery delivery mechanisms are arranged side by side along the third direction. The adhesive applicator further includes a clamping mounting frame, one end of which is located between the two battery conveying mechanisms along the second direction, and the other end is equipped with two clamping assemblies, which are used to clamp the battery cells conveyed on the two battery conveying mechanisms respectively.

13. The adhesive applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The picking and pasting mechanism includes a transfer device and an adsorption member connected to the transfer device. The adsorption member is configured to adsorb the adhesive sheet and, under the action of the transfer device, move the adhesive sheet to the adhesive surface to be pasted on the battery cell.

14. The adhesive applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The adhesive applicator further includes a sheet adhesive conveying mechanism having a sheet adhesive conveying path extending along the third direction, the sheet adhesive conveying path having an adsorption position, the sheet adhesive conveying mechanism being configured to carry the sheet adhesive from one side of the exposed first adhesive surface of the sheet adhesive and convey the sheet adhesive along the sheet adhesive conveying path to the adsorption position for pickup by the pick-up and bonding mechanism.

15. The adhesive applicator according to claim 14, wherein, The adhesive applicator also includes an adhesive sheet placement detection device, which is configured to detect whether adhesive sheet has moved to the adsorption position.

16. The adhesive applicator according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The adhesive application device further includes an angle detection device, which is configured to detect the angle information of the adhesive sheet being transported to the adsorption position, so that the picking and pasting mechanism adjusts the angle of the adhesive sheet according to the angle information during the transfer of the adhesive sheet, thereby making the adhesive sheet adhered to the adhesive surface of the positioned battery cell in a predetermined posture.

17. The adhesive applicator according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The film conveying mechanism and the battery conveying mechanism have overlapping portions in the second direction.

18. The adhesive applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The adhesive sheet includes a heat insulation pad; The surface to be covered with adhesive includes the surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell.

19. An adhesive application method using an adhesive application device, the adhesive application device comprising a battery conveying mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a picking and pasting mechanism, the battery conveying mechanism having a battery conveying path extending along a first direction, the battery conveying path having an adhesive application position, the battery conveying mechanism being configured to carry the battery cell from one side of a battery cell in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and convey the battery cell along the battery conveying path, wherein at least one of two surfaces of the battery cell conveyed in the battery conveying path opposite to each other in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction is a surface to be adhesive applied; The adhesive application method includes: In the battery transport step, the battery transport mechanism transports individual battery cells along the battery transport path; In the positioning step, the positioning mechanism positions the battery cell, which has been transported to the adhesive application position, at the adhesive application position. In the pasting step, the picking and pasting mechanism picks up the adhesive sheet with an exposed first adhesive surface and pastes the adhesive sheet onto the adhesive surface to be pasted on the battery cell through the first adhesive surface.

20. The adhesive application method according to claim 19, wherein, The positioning mechanism includes a stop assembly and a clamping assembly; The positioning steps include: In the blocking step, the blocking component stops the battery cell being transported in the battery transport path at the adhesive application position. The clamping step involves the clamping assembly clamping the battery cell.

21. The adhesive application method according to claim 20, wherein, The stop assembly includes a stop component and a stop drive device, wherein the stop component is connected to the output end of the stop drive device; In the blocking step, the blocking drive device drives the blocking component to move from the second avoidance position to the blocking position, blocking the battery cell at the adhesive application position; The adhesive application method further includes, after the adhesive application step: In the first avoidance step, the stop driving device drives the stop member to move from the stop position to the second avoidance position, so that the stop member avoids the battery delivery path.

22. The adhesive application method according to claim 21, wherein, The clamping assembly includes a gripper drive mechanism and a gripper, wherein the gripper is connected to the output end of the gripper drive mechanism; The clamping step includes: In the positioning step, the gripper driving mechanism drives the gripper to move from the first clearance position to the clamping position; In the clamping step, the grippers clamp the battery cell located at the adhesive application position; The adhesive application method further includes, after the first avoidance step: In the release step, the grippers release the battery cell to which the adhesive sheet is attached; In the second avoidance step, the gripper driving mechanism drives the gripper to move from the clamping position to the first avoidance position, so that the gripper... The grippers avoid the battery delivery path.

23. The adhesive application method according to claim 20, wherein, The adhesive application device further includes a sheet adhesive conveying mechanism having a sheet adhesive conveying path extending along the third direction, the sheet adhesive conveying path having an adsorption position, and the sheet adhesive conveying mechanism being configured to carry the sheet adhesive from one side of the exposed first adhesive surface of the sheet adhesive and convey the sheet adhesive along the sheet adhesive conveying path to the adsorption position for the pickup and bonding mechanism to pick up. The adhesive application method further includes, prior to the adhesive application step: In the sheet adhesive conveying step, the sheet adhesive conveying mechanism conveys the sheet adhesive to the adsorption position along the sheet adhesive conveying path. The film conveying step and the battery conveying step are performed simultaneously; The pasting step includes: In the picking step, the picking and pasting mechanism picks up the adhesive sheet that has been moved to the adsorption position; In the patching step, the picking and pasting mechanism moves the adhesive sheet and pastes it onto the adhesive surface to be pasted on the battery cell.

24. The adhesive application method according to claim 23, wherein, The adhesive applicator also includes an angle detection device. The adhesive application method further includes, prior to the picking step: An angle detection step, wherein the angle detection device detects the angle information of the adhesive sheet delivered to the adsorption position; In the patching step, the picking and pasting mechanism adjusts the angle of the adhesive strip according to the angle information, so that the adhesive strip is pasted onto the adhesive surface of the positioned battery cell in a predetermined posture.

25. The adhesive application method according to claim 24, wherein, The adhesive applicator also includes an adhesive sheet placement detection device. The adhesive application method further includes, prior to the angle detection step: The adhesive sheet placement detection step involves the adhesive sheet placement detection device detecting whether adhesive sheet has moved to the adsorption position, and when adhesive sheet has moved into place, proceeding to the angle detection step.

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